My Top Four Running Backs in 2017 NFL Draft
4. Leonard Fournette. I do not see all of the hype surrounding the tailback. Yes, he checks all of the boxes and certainly passes the eye test, but that is not enough to have success at the next level. In his 3 career games versus Alabama, an NFL caliber defense, Fournette ran for a total of 145 yards on 57 carries. Not good. While he has been able to physically dominate his opponents in college, that just will not be the case in the NFL. For some odd reason teams seem to be in love with him. In my eyes he should be a serviceable running back and one selected towards the latter of the first-round.
3. Christian McCaffrey. It is almost unfair to have the Stanford product listed as a just running back. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and return both punts and kickoffs make him exponentially more valuable. His ability to run between the tackles has been called into question, but even if he flames out at that he still has tremendous value as a playmaker, specifically in special teams. If McCaffrey can find his way into the right system, say New Orleans, or even better New England, in which they can optimally utilize his unique skill set, he will be a perennial All-Pro player.
2. Alvin Kamara. This is the name that many are not familiar with, but I absolutely love. The Tennessee product, standing 5'10" and weighing 215 pounds, is a dual-threat coming out of the backfield and as elusive as they come. Having watched a few Tennessee games this past season, each time I came away very impressed by Kamara. While he likely won't garner this amount of praise anywhere else, don't be surprised if he turns out to be the best running back from this draft.
1. Dalvin Cook. Cook is a freak. When I watch him run, it looks like he has the ability to reach a gear that other guys don't even know exists. He glides out there. His vision paired with his power make him a nightmare for would-be tacklers. Dalvin Cook will have an Ezekiel Elliot-esque rookie campaign as he will establish himself as one of the premier backs in the NFL from the get-go.